Donald “Snake Charmer” Vorrath

October 30, 2012

ONCHIOTA - Donald "Snake Charmer" Vorrath, 73, of Onchiota, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in the care of his wife Millie.

He was born on Aug. 28, 1939, in Newark, N.J., the son of Alfred and Violet (Czekenski) Vorrath, but lived most of his life in New York state.

He is survived by his wife Mildred Vorrath of Onchiota and his faithful friend, golden retriever "Onchi"; five children: Allison Powers and family of Pineville, N.C., Eric Vorrath and family of Greenlawn, Kristen Vorrath of Huntington Station, Dione Quinn and family of Gabriels and Sal Praga of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and a sister Kathleen Gleeson and family of Chapin, S.C.

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He was predeceased by his parents Alfred F. and Violet H. (Czekenski) Vorrath of Verona.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. There will be a celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Saranac Lake Moose Club.

Friends wishing to remember "Snake Charmer" can make donations to High Peaks Hospice in his memory for their assistance during his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Also a special thank-you is extended to Dr. David Johnson, of Adirondack Medical Center and Internal Medicine.

Family and friends can share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.